Concept 2 Rowing Step Test. To measure athtlete anaerobic threshold capacity, we can use this test was named Concept 2 Rowing Step Test. The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete's anaerobic threshold.
Required resources
To undertake this test you will require:
• Concept 2 Rowing Machine
• Heart rate monitor
• Assistant.
How to conduct the test
The test consists of five four minute rows, each rowed at a constant 500m pace. The pace is increased for each step and you have a 30 second recovery between each row. The 5th step is at 100% (maximum) effort.
For each step you need to record the set 500m/pace, distance rowed in 4 minutes, the stroke rate, the actual 500m pace and steady state heart rate. Heart rate reaches its steady state after approximately 3 minutes of rowing.
Example:
The following is an example of a test for an athlete whose best time for the 2000m is 6 minutes 32 seconds, which is an average 500m split of 1 minute 38 seconds.
• Step 1 – 4 minutes at 1 minute 59 seconds/500m
• 30 seconds recovery – record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500m pace and steady pace heart rate
• Step 2 – 4 minutes at 1 minute 54 seconds/500m
• 30 seconds recovery – record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500m pace and steady pace heart rate
• Step 3 – 4 minutes at 1 minute 50 seconds/500m
• 30 seconds recovery – record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500m pace and steady pace heart rate
• Step 4 – 4 minutes at 1 minute 47 seconds/500m
• 30 seconds recovery – record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500m pace and steady pace heart rate
• Step 5 – 4 minutes at Maximum effort
• Record distance, stroke rate, actual 500m pace and steady pace heart rate.
Analysis
Analysis of the results is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. Improvement in endurance is indicated when you find that the steady state heart rate is lower for any given 500m pace when compared to a previous test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's anaerobic threshold.
Improvement in endurance is indicated when the heart rate is lower for any given step – the heart is doing less work for the same pace/effort.
Target group
This test is only suitable for competitive rowers whose time for the 2000m is less than 8 minutes 30 seconds but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.
Reliability
Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.
Validity
There are no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.
Reference: Brian Mackenzie, 2005. 101 Performance Evaluation Test